It’s official: Saland claims Senate primary

State Sen. Stephen Saland, a Poughkeepsie Republican who faced a tough primary challenge in the wake of a vote in favor of same-sex marriage, was formally declared the winner Monday.

Saland’s race against fellow Republican Neil Di Carlo was too close to call on primary night—Sept. 13—when he led by just 42 votes. That lead increased steadily since then, with a final margin of 107 votes, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal.

First elected to the state Assembly in 1980, Saland was first elected to the Senate a decade later. He faces Democrat Terry Gipson in the general election.

Here’s Saland’s full victory statement, followed by a statement from Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos after the jump.

“Given the outcome of the absentee ballot count, I am honored and gratified the Republican voters have supported and selected me to serve as their candidate.

“As with each and every election I have entered, I will work hard to gain the support of the general electorate, as I wholeheartedly believe it is critically important to represent all of the people, regardless of party affiliation.

“The focus of my campaign has been and will continue to be on the need for private sector job creation, lower taxes and less government spending. I will continue to emphasize the need to provide incentives to attract and maintain business here in the Hudson Valley. For the last two years, we have successfully lowered taxes, provided a property tax cap and reduced state spending and as a result, New York is heading in the right direction. New York was recently included in the top ten in the nation for growth, productivity and livability in a report issued by the US Chamber of Commerce. As I have noted repeatedly, it’s about results, not rhetoric.

“This election was won with the help, generosity and support of many and my heartfelt thanks go out to all of those who contributed to this victory.”

Skelos:

“I congratulate Senator Saland – – a steady, effective and fiscally conservative voice for Hudson Valley taxpayers and their families – – on achieving a hard-fought victory in the Republican primary for the 41st Senate District race.

“As the endorsed Republican and Independence Party’s choice for this seat, we look forward to working with Steve to continue the progress we’ve already made in controlling spending and taxes, helping the private sector create new jobs and moving this state forward in a positive way.

“This result shows the residents of the Hudson Valley remain focused on economic concerns and policies that directly impact their quality-of-life, issues that Senator Saland will continue to address as he transitions to the General Election. I am confident that the residents of the 41st Senate District will support Senator Saland for another term, rather than turn his seat over to the same New York City politicians who brought dysfunction to Albany, enacted the job-killing MTA payroll tax and took away the STAR rebate check from Dutchess and Putnam County seniors and homeowners.”